Copahue Volcano Raised To Red Alert

Changes in the characteristics of the seismic signal and observation of glow in the crater, indicating the presence of a magma body near the surface, which could generate lava flows down the slopes of the volcano and / or present strombolian activity.

The intensity of seismic signals suggest that the eruption in progress is small and has characteristics of an open conduit.

However, it cannot be ruled out that the activity evolves into a major eruption.

Special attention is recommended in a 15km radius around the active crater and on the banks of the rivers draining away from the volcano because of the possibility of occurrence of lahars.

A top level “red” alert has been issued by the Chilean authorities as Copahue volcano began spewing ash raising fears of an imminent eruption.

No evacuation has been ordered by the National Emergency office as there are no big towns are in the current risk area.

About 500 people live in Copahue, a village famous for its spa waters, and there are about 900 in the town of Caviahue and an estimated 800 more in local indigenous Mapuche communities.

"The intensity of seismic signals suggests the eruption in progress is on the smaller side (but) we are not ruling out the possibility that the activity could turn into a larger-scale eruption," the Geology and Mining Service said in a statement.

The 2,965-meter giant lies on the Chilean-Argentinian border but its crater leans toward the Argentine side.

Changes in the characteristics of the seismic signal and observation of glow in the crater, indicating the presence of a magma body near the surface, which could generate lava flows down the slopes of the volcano and / or present strombolian activity.